Discover expert home security tips this winter. Learn how to secure your home with composite door security, strong windows, and layered protection.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why upgrading your composite door boosts security during darker months
- How bifold and sliding doors are engineered for protection, not just style
- The role of modern aluminium windows in composite door security
- Why layered security measures like locks and lighting matter as much as your front door
(Estimated Reading Time: 4-5 Minutes)
Introduction: The Season of Long Nights and Rising Risks
October marks National Home Security Month in the UK — and the timing couldn’t be more relevant. As the clocks go back and evenings darken, burglary rates can rise by up to 40%. Longer nights give intruders more cover, while busy households mean homes are often left unattended.
The positive? Most burglaries are opportunistic, not sophisticated. With the right upgrades — starting with your composite door and wider home security — you can make your property a far less attractive target. At GFD Homes, we specialise in secure doors and windows designed to keep your home protected.
Let’s walk through five proven ways to boost your defences this autumn.
1. Upgrade Your Front Door: The First Line of Defence
It may sound obvious, but the front door is still the number one entry point for burglars. Around 75% of intruders gain access through a door, and often it’s the front. Thin wooden doors, old uPVC models, or weak locking systems are easy prey.
A modern Composite Door is one of the smartest investments you can make. Built with a solid timber core, multiple reinforced layers, and a steel or fibreglass skin, these doors are designed to withstand forced entry attempts.
Even ex-burglars admit that “a strong, heavy door” is one of the biggest deterrents they face. Add in a 3-star Ultion lock (standard across our ranges like Solidor and Comp Door) and you’re protected by the highest standard of lock security available in the UK today – resistant to snapping, picking, drilling and more.
Composite doors from GFD Homes also meet PAS 24 standards and are available as Secured by Design accredited – that’s the UK Police’s own stamp of approval for crime prevention products.
Peace of mind takeaway: If your current door feels flimsy, dated, or you’ve had it for more than 10 years, upgrading to a composite front door could be the most effective move you make this winter.
2. Don’t Forget the Back: Bifolds and Patio Doors Need Equal Attention
While the front door is the obvious target, burglars love the cover of a back garden. Roughly 22% of break-ins happen via the back door. Many homes now feature expansive glass entrances such as Bi-Fold Doors or Sliding Patio Doors – beautiful in daylight, but concerning if you think about them as potential entry points.
The difference lies in the build quality. Older patio doors could literally be lifted off their tracks. Modern GFD aluminium systems are designed with anti-lift tracks, multi-point locking mechanisms, and toughened or laminated glass that takes serious effort (and noise) to break.
For bifold doors, every section locks securely with shoot-bolts, while frames are engineered to resist prying. In fact, our systems can be upgraded to full PAS 24 and Secured by Design standards, giving you confidence that aesthetics never come at the expense of security.
Peace of mind takeaway: Don’t let wide, glass doors become a weak link. Today’s bifold and sliding systems are built to be just as burglar-proof as a solid front door – and at GFD Homes, they’re tested to prove it.
3. Windows: Small Openings, Big Vulnerabilities
Windows are often overlooked in the security conversation, but they account for nearly a quarter of burglaries. The problem? Homeowners either forget to lock them or rely on outdated frames and glazing. Shockingly, 45% of people admit they sometimes leave windows unlocked.
Modern Aluminium Windows from GFD Homes are designed to turn this weak link into a fortress. Features include:
- Internal glazing beads – so glass can’t be removed from outside.
- Key-locking handles – preventing forced entry.
- Multi-point window locks – securing the sash at several points rather than just one.
- Toughened or laminated glass – resistant to impact and much harder to shatter quietly.
Many of our window systems also carry PAS 24 accreditation, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for preventing forced entry.
Peace of mind takeaway: If your windows are single-glazed, warped, or rely on simple latches, it’s time to upgrade. A modern aluminium window doesn’t just save energy – it secures your home.
4. Locks, Lighting, and Layered Protection
Even the best doors and windows need to be part of a wider security strategy. Three supporting measures every homeowner should consider this October:
- Upgrade your locks: If you’re not ready to replace a whole door yet, start with the lock. A 3-star Ultion cylinder (standard on GFD composite doors) is a game-changer for security. These locks literally go into “lockdown mode” if tampered with, stopping burglars in their tracks.
- Use lighting smartly: Motion-activated outdoor lighting is proven to deter opportunistic thieves. No intruder likes to be lit up mid-attempt.
- Think layers: Add-ons like smart doorbells, CCTV, and alarms provide additional deterrence. Remember though – alarms go off after someone’s broken in. The real prevention is in the physical barriers: strong doors, secure locks, and reinforced windows.
Peace of mind takeaway: Burglars want quick, easy wins. The more visible and physical barriers you layer, the less likely they are to even try.
5. The Psychological Advantage: Peace of Mind for Your Family
At the heart of National Home Security Month is more than just products and locks – it’s about peace of mind. The darker nights don’t need to bring anxiety if you know your home is secure.
Imagine heading off for a weekend away, or simply settling in for a cosy evening, knowing your home is defended by:
- A composite front door with police-approved accreditations.
- Bifold or sliding doors with anti-lift tracks and multi-point locks.
- Aluminium windows with laminated glass and secure handles.
- Lighting and smart locks to complete the package.
That’s the kind of reassurance that lets you focus on living your life – not worrying about “what if.”
Conclusion: Kick Off Your Security Month the Right Way
National Home Security Month is a reminder to ask: “If someone tried to break into my home tonight, how would my doors and windows hold up?”
If your answer isn’t confident, now’s the time to act. From a secure composite door to reinforced windows and layered protection, GFD Homes provides tested, accredited products that make your home safer — this winter and beyond.
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Browse our Articles
- Choosing the Right Doors & Windows: Your Questions Answered
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- Patio Door Lock: What’s Included, What’s Secure, and What You Can Upgrade
- Trade Products: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village
FAQs
Are composite doors really more secure than uPVC doors?
Yes. Composite doors use solid timber or foam cores, GRP skins, and multi-point locks, making them far stronger and more burglar-resistant than standard uPVC doors.
What is Secured by Design, and should I choose it?
Secured by Design is a UK Police initiative that tests products against burglary methods. Choosing a composite door with this accreditation guarantees a higher level of protection.
Do bifold doors compromise home security?
Not modern ones. GFD Homes bifold doors feature anti-lift tracks, laminated glazing, and multi-point locks — making them as secure as a front door.
How often should locks be upgraded?
If your locks are over 10 years old or not 3-star rated, it’s worth upgrading. GFD Homes’ composite doors include Ultion 3-star cylinders as standard.
